Eddie Stobart ends dispute with drivers who supply Morrisons across northern England
Nearly 500 HGV drivers, including some in Wakefield, were threatening to walk out over pay and conditions
A strike involving nearly 500 HGV drivers employed by Eddie Stobart has been averted, after a deal struck in negotiations with union Unite.
The Unite members, based at distribution depots in Wakefield, Stockton-on-Tees, and Northwich, Cheshire, voted to strike in response to Eddie Stobart's increased use of agency drivers, which Unite claimed would drive down standards.
All are involved in supplying Morrisons supermarkets across northern England.
Negotiations led to Eddie Stobart agreeing to reduce its reliance on temporary workers and increase the number of permanent staff.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “Eddie Stobart was gradually replacing its unionised Morrisons workforce with individuals on insecure contracts and significantly diminished pay, terms and conditions."
"The drivers strong strike response put an end to that – well done to them. Unite will not tolerate any employer seeking to union-bust or undermine our members’ wages or employment standards.”
The drivers originally voted for strike action on 4th June.